Free days for Chicago-area museums

Chicago's museums are world-class, but all those bones, weather simulators and rides in Chicago's first El train car don't come cheap. Throw in parking, special exhibits and the gift shop, and it adds up fast. But in the philanthropic spirit of our fine city, most museums offer free admission for Illinois residents on certain days. Here's a complete calendar for the next few months. You're on your own in the gift shop.

*Free days can change at the last minute, so ALWAYS call first to confirm before heading out to the museums.

Have a Bank of America card? Then on the first full weekend of each month present your card and get a free admission to The Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, the Chicago History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Shedd Aquarium. One per cardholder, so it won't be free for the entire family (unless each of your children has a B of A credit card), but a free adult admission is nothing to sneeze at. Check out the Bank of America website.